VLSI DESIGN
Description:
Generally a course in VLSI will begin with a run-through of CMOS technology. It will include CMOS circuit logic, layout and design. In the core VLSI field, various design methodologies are discussed including computer aided designing methods. Certain courses will cover floor planning and economizing the process of manufacturing chips. Major applications will be in designing digital systems.
In more advanced courses, physical implementation along with testing, circuit optimization, modelling with reliability and high-speed VLSI circuits is the major thrust area.
In short, VLSI will be a very advanced in electronics interspersed with generous usage of computers and an interface with communication systems.
Pre-Requisites:
Students intending to major in VLSI should be thorough with digital systems, microcontrollers along with a fundamental knowledge of coding. Having in interest in lab work will definitely be advantageous especially since most colleges stress on projects and practicals as far as VLSI is concerned.
Prospects:
There are rich prospects for getting work in semiconductor research facilities and chip manufacturing companies like Intel, Texas Instruments etc. Research is again sought after especially in the wafer-scale integration area which is largely upcoming.
CONTROL SYSTEMS
Description:
Control systems constitute an integral part of core electrical. Feedback control systems emphasizing state space techniques along with the application of basic principles, modelling, analysis, stability, structural properties, optimization, and design to meet specifications is the crux of the course. Content wise linear and non-linear control systems are studied separately involving application of functional analysis and geometrical approach to synthesise control systems. Examples from electronic and electromechanical systems are taken to strengthen the analysis of systems even further.
Pre-Requisites:
Students will require a certain mathematical background as well as in programming. In some colleges, Python programming is specifically stated. Elementary course in electromagnetism at the undergraduate level is required.
Prospects:
A control systems engineer can branch out to almost every field research wise or even for industrial work. Apart from the traditional electrical field, control systems are required for mechanical units, aircraft units and almost every damn machine assemblies. Clearly you will NOT go out of work.
ANALOG CIRCUIT DESIGN
Description:
A course crafted as a pure application of analog electronics. Fundamental concepts of diodes, transistors, ICs and operational amplifiers are taken to a much greater depth. Designing circuits based on these concepts is the major focus area in this case. Students will also have to study a great deal of semiconductor physics and also applying the fundamentals to various aspects of opto-electronics, lasers and nanophotonics. Construction of hetero devices is an important practical aspect as far as the semiconductor part is concerned.
Pre-Requisites:
A student intending to take up analog majors in this field must be well versed with physics and mathematics because it will be required extensively. Moreover thorough knowledge of fundamentals concepts of semiconductor physics, analog electronics and circuit theory is a must.
Prospects:
The prospects are rich in core companies which recruit VLSI experts however job profiles will clearly be different. Research is bright in the field of semiconductors. If a student has a strong mathematical backing, s/he has the option of entering banking as well.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Description:
A specialization in this course involves studying the modulation, analysis and synthesis of wireless networks and communication systems. Most of the course is related to concepts underlying the internet and for long-distance communication to transfer voice, multimedia and data signals. Improving the speed of inter-connections and networks is another important aspect as well. Basics of cellular designs, automation of highways and skyways along with sensor networks are exposed to students in some colleges depending upon their curriculum.
Pre-Requisites:
A strong foundation in Signals and Systems with an understanding of Digital Communications.
Prospects:
There is no shortage of prospects for someone majoring in wireless communications. Core electronics and telecommunication organizations are always vying for good students to improve their R&D quality. Furthermore, a lot of research is conducted in this field nowadays due to the nascent stages of development so far. So you could also consider taking up a PhD in an university in the long run.
POWER SYSTEMS
Description:
This is by far the widest field in core electrical engineering. This discipline will involve analysing power systems of various kinds in great detail. Finding and correcting faults in the system along with reliability, stability of the system as well as transmission play an important role in the curriculum. Transmission of high voltage current as well as AC-DC conversions for sake of power generation is another important aspect as well.
Ultimately designing practical power systems is something which is very practical and challenging.
Pre-Requisites:
Any student looking to specialise in Power Systems must be well-versed with his/her core courses like Circuits and Network Analysis, Electric Machines and Power Electronics. Various MS programs have different requirements which they will have to check according to their needs and interests.
Prospects:
Power system graduates are virtually guaranteed a good industrial placement in any core organization related to power or allied fields like oil and gas, engineering consultancies and maybe even construction and mechanical units. Large scale electrical product manufacturing units will never go out of business because of demand and therefore, a power systems engineer will always be in demand.
TELECOMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT
Description:
A very popular course designed specifically for people looking to take-up senior positions in the communications field. This course will cover the details of telecommunication courses ranging from the very fundamentals to wireless networks, satellite communications, VoIP internet and computer connections. Courses on information and internet security are also offered in addition to this. The major thrust is on designing and analysis. In addition to this are the courses on telecommunications project management, economics, fundamentals of ethics and public policy, developing on business strategies among a whole range of interdisciplinary electives. On the whole, one can choose courses according to one’s interest and further career path.
Pre-Requisites:
A strong mathematical background especially in calculus, probability, random and stochastic processes is highly recommended. An inherent acumen for finance and economics will make it easier for students to assimilate the financial and managerial aspects of the course.
Prospects:
The course is crafted keeping in mind the need of technically sound managers in the telecommunications industry. If the right university is chosen and the student is able to perform well this course virtually guarantees a good placement at a mid-level managerial post in any telecom, IT, electronics or security related company.
